When Apple launched the first ever tablet with Retina display, the company reduced the price of the iPad 2 in order to have a low cost model for those who were not willing or able to pay full price. Three generations of iPads later (not to mention the iPad mini), Apple was still selling the iPad 2 for $399. At this point, the iPad mini with Retina display costs the same price as that outdated second-generation Apple tablet.

Today, Apple has finally decided to put the iPad 2 out to pasture. The company now offers the fourth generation iPad with Retina display for the incredibly low price of $399.

Starting today, you can purchase the 16GB 9.7-inch iPad with Retina display in black or white for $399. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model is available for $529. The fourth-generation iPad includes the A6X processor chip, faster Wi-Fi, a 5MP iSight camera with 1080p HD video, a FaceTime HD camera, and LTE support where available.

“Now for $399 customers can get iPad with a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display, fast A6X chip, and 5MP iSight camera, offering a dramatic upgrade in power, performance and value compared to the iPad 2 it replaces,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The iPad line sets the gold-standard in mobile computing and all iPads have access to the largest and best ecosystem of more than 500,000 iPad optimized apps from the App Store.”

Apple is still offering its iLife and iWork suite of apps for free for new buyers of an iPad, including the fourth-generation model. The iLife suite includes iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand. The iWorks suite includes Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. That is a $30 savings from the original cost of the entire package of apps.

With this upgrade, the only remaining non-retina iPad that Apple still offers is the 16GB first-generation iPad mini, which is still available for $299.

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About Lory: Writer of all things app related, traveler of the space-time continuum, baker of really great cookies. Follow me @appaholik

http://j.mp/DocMak Juliana Fitzwater Julia

iPads are now used in almost every industry and are just as valuable in the education system as in the healthcare industry.

Kelly Stafford

So will we possibly be able to get a credit on our now retired iPad 2 if we want to upgrade to the next model??

http://www.sacramaniacs.com/ Lory Gil

You sure can. Apple calls it the “Reuse and Recycle” program. You can get a gift card for the Apple retail store in exchange for your iPad 2. Currently, the 16GB Wi-Fi only model in good condition can be traded for $125 gift card. The will even pay shipping so you don’t have to leave the house to trade it in.